The 144th annual Kentucky Derby is set to fall on the same Saturday as Mexico’s fabled Cinco de Mayo this weekend. Naturally, you’ll require some celebrating and maybe an ornate hat. Your instincts should tell you to celebrate in a way that commemorates both the sport of kings just and the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best Derby parties, the best Cinco parties, and the parties that dare combine the two…
Cinco de Drinko at Clinton Hall
You Require: A charming spring afternoon outdoors amongst friends, fellow imbibers and people yelling at horses. You’ll Receive: A capacious downtown beer garden stocked with cornhole sets, mint juleps and corn chip-stuffed cheeseburgers. You’ll have approximately all day to consume such delights.
No cost, Clinton Hall, 90 Washington St (near Rector St), 212-363-6000
Cinco de Derby at Handcraft
You Require: A full commitment to celebrating both hallowed events at once. You’ll Receive: Bourbon Margaritas, Tequila Juleps, and five enormous televisions featuring one prominent horse race.
No cost, Handcraft, 367 Third Ave (between 26th and 27th), 212-689-3000
The Kentucky Derby Party at Saxon + Parole
You Require: An AYCD situation of the highest order and a more authentic Derby viewing experience. You’ll Receive: Unlimited Derby fare and cocktails as you soak in some impromptu bluegrass and stand near a live horse. Read that sentence again, but slowly.
3-7pm, $135, Saxon + Parole, 316 Bowery (off Bleeker St.), 212-254-0350